Representatives of the U.S. State Department and Congress, diplomats, business and academic figures, and members of the Tajik diaspora gathered in Washington on September 9 to mark the 35th anniversary of Tajikistan’s independence and discuss bilateral relations.
The event was attended by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur, representatives of U.S. government agencies, senators and members of Congress, diplomats, and representatives of business, investment, scientific and academic circles, Tajikistan’s Embassy in the United States reported.
Tajik Ambassador to the United States Zavqi Zavqizoda spoke about Tajikistan’s socioeconomic development since independence and the country’s relations with Washington.
According to Zavqizoda, Tajikistan’s economy has grown by an average of 7.7% annually over the past 25 years, while the country has moved from the low-income to the middle-income category.
He highlighted the energy sector, noting that around 98% of Tajikistan’s electricity is generated from renewable hydropower. He also spoke about the construction of the Roghun Hydroelectric Power Plant and the country’s water resources.
Dushanbe seeks closer ties with Washington
Zavqizoda also highlighted the November 6, 2025 meeting between Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.
According to the ambassador, the meeting gave fresh impetus to cooperation in politics, trade and investment, industry, aviation, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, healthcare, tourism and regional security.
Paul Kapur congratulated the people of Tajikistan on the 35th anniversary of independence and highlighted the development of bilateral relations and Tajikistan’s role in regional stability and security, regional cooperation and addressing global challenges.
According to the embassy, the U.S. side reaffirmed its readiness to continue developing mutually beneficial cooperation with Tajikistan.
Niagara Falls lit up in Tajik flag colors
The Washington event featured a photo and exhibition display dedicated to Tajikistan’s history, culture and nature, along with a musical and cultural program and Tajik national cuisine.
As part of the independence celebrations, Niagara Falls was also illuminated in the colors of Tajikistan’s national flag.
On September 8–9, a video about Tajikistan was shown at Times Square in New York City. According to the embassy, it was displayed 24 times, once every hour over a 24-hour period.
Tajikistan marked the 35th anniversary of its state independence on September 9, 2026. The country declared independence from the Soviet Union on September 9, 1991.
